Poland Establishes Border Defense Component to Bolster Eastern Frontier

Poland's Ministry of National Defence is establishing a new Border Defense Component (KOP) as part of efforts to bolster the nation's eastern frontier. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who stated that the KOP will be a new stage in strengthening the border, complementing initiatives like "Eastern Shield."

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Just as Poland created the Border Protection Corps years ago, today we are establishing the Border Defense Component.

The KOP will be formed within the Territorial Defense Forces, incorporating four brigades stationed along Poland's eastern border: the Podlaska, Warmia-Masuria, Nadbużańska, and Przemyśl brigades. This new structure is intended to increase responsibility for border protection and alleviate the burden on other military units currently involved in "Operation Safe Podlasie."

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This is another stage of strengthening the eastern border – alongside Eastern Shield, the 10 billion zlotys allocated for it, and actions that have significantly reduced the effectiveness of illegal border crossing attempts.

The name "KOP" intentionally echoes the historical Korpus Ochrony Pogranicza (Border Protection Corps), a unit established in 1924 to defend the eastern border of the Second Polish Republic. The new component will collaborate with the Border Guard and participate in activities related to the "Eastern Shield" program. Further details, including the appointment of commanders, were expected to be presented shortly after the announcement.

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Tomorrow I will present the details and appoint the commanders.